Start the School Year with a Smile: Back to School Dental Checklist

Start the School Year with a Smile: Back to School Dental Checklist

With summer coming to an end, your kids are starting a new school year. While you’re grabbing new pencils and notebooks, remember one of the most important items on your kid’s back to school checklist: a dental checkup!

September is a great time to establish healthy habits that will last throughout the school year, so make sure your child’s dental hygiene is at the top of the list.

Schedule a Dental Checkup Appointment

Your child should visit a dentist twice a year. Professional dental assessments are important to ensure your child’s healthy teeth. Dentists can also advise your child on correct oral hygiene habits and encourage them to keep up the good work. Click here to book your checkup or call us at 604.291.6696.

Consult with an Orthodontist

Wondering if your child might need braces? Kids should see an orthodontist no later than age seven. By then, most children have at least four permanent incisors and four molars. An orthodontist may not recommend braces that young, but the visit may help us create a personalized care plan for your child, based on rate of growth and unique issues, such as overcrowding or poor bite. Learn more about our orthodontic services or call us at to book your free consultation at 604.291.6696.

Establish a Healthy Dental Hygiene Routine

After a summer of late nights and loose schedules, your child’s routine may have been disrupted, resulting in less-than-ideal conditions for oral health. Get back on track with these quick tips:

Remember the 2×2 rule: Brush for two minutes, twice a day.

Don’t forget to floss.

Replace your toothbrush. We recommend that you replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or when the bristles are frayed. A new school year is a great time to check on your children’s toothbrushes!

Oral Health Begins in the Kitchen

Make sure you’re preparing healthy lunches that also are good for your child’s teeth. Snacks that are kind to teeth include fruit, string cheese, vegetables, and unsweetened applesauce. Try to avoid sticky snacks, such as fruit roll-ups and granola bars, which can stick to your child’s teeth surfaces and in-between teeth. Instead of packing sugary soda drinks, swap it with water!

Guard Against Injuries

If your child plays sports, think about investing in a mouth guard to prevent dental injuries from happening. One of the most common ways that you can injure your teeth is by playing sports. Contact sports, such as basketball and soccer, are where your children are most at risk for injuries.